Purpose: To investigate the change of saliva flow rate and pH after chewing tea polyphenol gum.
Methods: Saliva was collected before and after chewing tea polyphenol gum and the control gum. Both the salivary flow rate and pH value were measured and analyzed by one-way ANOVA and SNK.
Results: The chewing gum significantly increased the flow rate as well as pH value of the saliva. The flow rate of the tested and control gum reached peak in the first minute. They were 3.15+/-1.05 and 3.30+/-0.87 ml respectively. There was no significant difference between the chewing gums.
Conclusion: Chewing gum can increase the secretion and elevate the pH value of the saliva which benefits oral health care.